Actuation and control of a turbulent channel flow using Lorentz forces

Abstract

Results concerning the design and fabrication of electromagnetic actuators, and their application to affect the wall shear stress in a fully turbulent channel flow are discussed. The actuators utilize a Lorentz force to induce fluid motion due to the interaction between a magnetic field and a current density. The actuators are comprised of spanwise-aligned rows of permanent magnets interlaced with surface-mounted electrodes, segmented to allow the Lorentz force to be propagated in the spanwise direction. Problems commonly associated with electromagnetic flow control—electrolysis, bubble formation, and electrode corrosion are substantially reduced, and in most cases eliminated by the use of a conductive polymer coating. The actuators generate velocity profiles with a penetration depth into the flow of approximately 1 mm (set by the electrode/magnet pitch) and maximum velocities of approximately 4 cm/s. The actuation velocities are found to scale linearly with forcing voltage and frequency. The electrical to mechanical efficiency is found to be very low (≈10−4), primarily due to the limitations on the magnetic field strength and the low conductivity of the working fluid (saltwater). The actuators are used in a fully turbulent low Reynolds number channel flow and their effect on the turbulent skin friction is measured using a direct measurement of drag. Maximum drag reductions of approximately 10% are measured when the flow is forced using a spanwise oscillating Lorentz force. A scaling argument for the optimal amplitude of the current density is developed. The efficiency of this method for drag reduction, and its application at higher Reynolds numbers is also discussed.